Jet engine
In brief:Jet engine — an Xterium research: gives jet engine speed +250% at maximum, up to 50 upgrade levels, cost 2–73 000 000 science.
(data current as of 2026-05-22, game version 2.12.7)
Description
Despite the apparent obsolescence, jet engines have a number of significant advantages, such as: the cheapness of production and maintenance; unpretentiousness; proven reliability for centuries; economy. The installation of RDs for light-class vessels is no alternative to a single space cycle.
What it gives
Levels: effect and price
| Level | Jet engine speed | Science (price) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5% | 2 |
| 8 | +40% | 540 |
| 15 | +75% | 14 820 |
| 22 | +110% | 135 000 |
| 29 | +145% | 5 500 000 |
| 36 | +180% | 31 000 000 |
| 43 | +215% | 52 000 000 |
| 50 | +250% | 73 000 000 |
Reference levels are shown. The study price is in Science points (values, they grow with the level). It can be instantly sped up with Dark Matter.
Science price and calculator
How much science each level needs:
Calculator: time and instant speed-up
Enter your science and choose a level — we'll show how long the research takes and how much dark matter is needed to finish it instantly.
Formulas verified: time = science price ÷ your science per hour (but no less than price ÷ 5), divided by research speed. Instant completion is calculated by the dark matter for the remaining time. Overlock multiplies the science price (and thus the time and dark matter): each overlock level is pricier.
Overclock (honing)
After the maximum level, the research can be “honed” with star ore — this gives a super-bonus.
Jet engine speed · first reset 150 star ore
Each reset adds the bonus on top of the max level; the star-ore price grows with every reset.
Requirements
To unlock this research, you need to raise the following to the required level:
Research is upgraded in the Laboratory and the Technopolis.
